Winderman’s view: Next up for play-in Heat is to ‘make the most of this’

Q: What was the final score of the Miami Heat vs. Atlanta Hawks game?

The Miami Heat won the game against the Atlanta Hawks with a final score of 143-117.

Q: Why did the Atlanta Hawks rest their rotation players in the game against the Heat?

The Atlanta Hawks rested their rotation players because they had already secured a top-six record, allowing them direct entry into the playoffs.

Q: How does the Miami Heat's recent victory impact their preparation for the play-in tournament?

The victory serves as a tune-up for the Miami Heat, helping them to prepare and build momentum for the upcoming play-in tournament.

Q: What are the implications of the Heat's win for their playoff prospects?

The Heat's win enhances their confidence and readiness as they move forward into the play-in tournament, aiming for a strong playoff performance.

MIAMI – Observations and other notes of interest from Sunday night’s 143-117 victory over the Atlanta Hawks:

– The Hawks couldn’t be bothered dressing out their rotation players in this one.

– Such are the perks of direct entry into the playoffs with a top-six record.

– For the Heat, it was somewhat of a tune-up.

– So most played.

– With their next game to be all or nothing.

– And here we go again.

– Desperation time for the Heat while the elite get their rest (and the lottery-bound are off to Cancun).

– That had Heat coach Erik Spoelstra pregame again addressing the play-in.

– Or the Heat Invitational, as it is better known

– “We’ve pretty much said everything that needs to be said about it,” Spoelstra said. “We’re here, and now we just have to make the most of this.”

– He added, “There’s no other way other than just to absolutely go for it.”

– Because there isn’t.

– This isn’t Dwyane Wade wearing down Purple Shirt Guy the last time the Heat faced the Hornets in the postseason.

– This is one and done.

– No time for plotlines.

– Just on to the next one.

– Or off to the lottery and the offseason.

– So prudence for the Hawks, even if it meant citing players as out for “rest” with at least five days off to follow for Atlanta.

– Of sitting his rotation players Sunday. Hawks coach Quin Snyder said, “the focus for us has been on our guys going in postseason healthy.”

– And practicality for the Heat.

– Spoelstra nonetheless downplayed Pelle Larsson being held out with a leg contusion sustained in Friday night’s victory in Washington.

– “Pelle did as much treatment as he can,” Spoelstra said, terming Larsson, “day to day.”

– Spoelstra added, “so that’s a good sign, but yes, it happened during the game.”

– With Larsson out, the Heat opened with a lineup of Kel’el Ware, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, Davion Mitchell and Tyler Herro.

– It was the Heat’s 27th lineup.

– Leaving Norman Powell with his sixth game off the bench this season.

– Mitchell and Herro were back after missing Friday’s victory in Washington.

– Powell also was back after sitting out in Washington.

– Jaime Jaquez Jr. was first off the Heat bench.

– And then more early Keshad Johnson.

– With Powell following with his entrance.

– And Jakucionis making it nine deep before the end of the opening period.

– With Nikola Jovic and Dru Smith again out, the Heat ended the season with just eight games with their entire roster being available.

– Smith has been issued a pair of walking boots for his foot issue, but is hopeful of a postseason.

– Before the game, Spoelstra spoke of guard Jahmir Young being upgraded to a standard contract, and therefore becoming playoff eligible.

– “He had a terrific year for us in Sioux Falls,” Spoelstra said of the Heat’s G League affiliate. “If you look at some of his stat lines, they’re amazing. He’s a unique player because he’s so shifty. You can’t really get a handle on him, and in the games that he played, our offense looked very good.”

– Young inherited Rozier’s locker stall.

– With the Hawks entering the postseason as one of the NBA’s hottest teams, Snyder cited defensive rebounding.

– “I think we kind of tried to just, after All-Star break, focus on some things that we felt would help us win the most,” Snyder said, “that were most correlated to winning for our group, and defensive rebounding was one of them. Passing the ball has been something we’ve just tried to pound all year long, and really the primary reason is because passing the ball ahead improves our pace.”

– Among those in the crowd was Fernando Mendoza.